Hiking mount Muhabura in Uganda
Hiking mount Muhabura in Uganda; Mount Muhabura is an extinct and one of the 8 Virunga volcanoes located in Mgahinga gorilla national park. the volcanic mountain is 4,127 meters above the sea level and has the third highest peak after Mount Karisimbi and Mount Mikeno. Mount muhabura is close to Mount Gahinga and mount sabyinyo in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and it’s the steepest mountain to hike.
Hiking mount Muhabura is one of the interesting and most rewarding experiences in Uganda and hiking starts early in the morning with a briefing about the rules, regulations and expectations at the park headquarters. Mount muhabura can be reached from two countries that is Uganda and Rwanda. After the briefing, you will be allocated an experienced park guide, armed park rangers and then drive to the trailhead and start hiking the mountain which takes about 5 to 7 hours’ round trip depending on your pace and level of fitness. When hiking mount muhabura, you will have a stop at 3116m and the second stop at 3,855m above the sea level. After the second stop, you will proceed to the summit which is 4,127 meters above the sea level. During the hike, you will pass through several vegetation zones where you will be able to view different animals like duikers, hyenas, forest buffaloes, elephants, primates like golden monkeys and different bird species. when you reach the summit, you will enjoy stunning views of other Virunga volcanoes, crater lake, views of lake Bunyonyi, take photos among others and later descend down to the starting point where you will meet your driver guide.
Best time to hike Mount Muhabura
Hiking mount Muhabura can be done all year round though the best time is during the dry season also known as the peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February because during this period there is less rainfall in the national park therefore hiking trails will be dry and passable which makes mountain climbing easy compared to the rainy season when the hiking trails are muddy and slippery which make mountain climbing difficult.
Cost of hiking Mount Muhabura
Hiking mount Muhabura costs 80 USD per person for foreign non residents, 70 USD per person for foreign residents and 50,000 UGX per person for East African citizens. Mountain climbing in Mgahinga gorilla national park was however increased to 100 USD per person for foreign non residents, 80 USD per person for foreign residents, 50,000 UGX per person for East African citizens and 5,000 UGX per person for Uganda students effective 1st/July/2024.
What to pack for your hiking safari?
When going for mount muhabura hike safari in Uganda, there are a number of items that you should pack/carry including hiking boots, long sleeved shirt and trouser, insect repellent, waterproof rain jacket, energy snacks and drinking water, first aid kit, camera and extra batteries, walking stick, garden gloves, a pair of binoculars, long socks, a map and compass, knife, back pack among others.
How to get to Mgahinga gorilla national park
Mgahinga gorilla national park is located in south western part of Uganda and can be accessed by road transport means where you will drive from Kampala/ Entebbe via masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, Kisoro and then to the park headquarters which takes about 9 to 10 hours’ drive.
Mgahinga gorilla national park can also be accessed by air transport means where you will book scheduled or charter domestic flights with Aero link Uganda from Entebbe international airport to Kisoro airstrip and then connect to the park headquarters by road.
You can as well access Mgahinga gorilla national park from Kigali Rwanda where you will fly to Kigali international airport and then cross to Mgahinga gorilla national park via cyanika border in Kisoro or Katuna border in Kabale which takes about 4 to 5 hours’ drive.
Where to stay during your hiking safari in Uganda
There are a number of accommodation facilities ranging from budget, midrange and luxury where you can stay during your hiking safari in Mgahinga gorilla national park including Mount Gahinga Lodge, Mgahinga Gorilla Triangle Lodge, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Ntebeko Homestay, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Lake Chahafi Resort, Mutanda Lake Resort, Mt Muhabura Climbers Rest Camp, Virunga Hotel and Campsite, Mutanda Eco Community Center, Travellers Rest Hotel, Gahiza Island Retreat, Mucha Hotel, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Golden Monkey Guest House, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge among others.
For more information about hiking mount muhabura in Uganda, you can reach out to us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website to book your hiking safari with us.
